The following is a collection of CLI's former and current students who have agreed to share their testimonials. Each session, the Chinese Language Institute welcomes program participants representing a variety of ages, disciplines and nationalities.

Jon Yu | Fall 2011
University:  Virginia Tech, Geography
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner II
Program Dates: September 5 - December 16

“The amount of hours I spent in one-on-one classes was critical to improving my Chinese. Thinking and speaking Chinese in a one-on-one environment enabled me to practice confidently and to retain everything I learned.”
- Jon Yu


Benjamin White | Summer 2011
University:  College of Menominee Nation, Biology and Nursing
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Program Dates: July 16 - August 12

“CLI has a staff dedicated to providing the highest quality language learning experience. CLI's staff is great and offers excellent insights for the acquisition of language.”
- Ben White


Lea Simmons | Summer 2011
University:  Howard University
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Program Dates: July 16 - August 12

“CLI's teachers are always available, whether during or after class. This greatly improved my language training because I was able to learne outside of the classroom.”
- Lea Simmons


Tena Hunter | Summer 2011
University:  Howard University
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Program Dates: July 16 - August 12

“CLI does a great job of helping students with no travel experience learn in an unfamiliar setting, while still allowing those with travel experience the freedom to explore. Also, the accommodations were perfect!”
- Tena Hunter


Rhonda Davis | Summer 2011
University:  Howard University
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Program Dates: July 16 - August 12

“I would suggest that anyone who has the opportunity to come to CLI should take it! This is truly a wonderful place.”
- Rhonda Davis


Jessica Mack | Summer 2011
University:  Howard University
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Program Dates: July 16 - August 12

“The CLI teachers and the environment they create makes learning easy and fun. CLI added to the Guilin experience (and vice-versa) because the people were so willing to talk to us and help us improve our Mandarin.”
- Jessica Mack


Kandice Purdy | Summer 2011
University:  Howard University
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Program Dates: July 16 - August 12

“I think the living arrangements at CLI are the most important aspect of the program. In addition to sharing a home with many Chinese natives, living in Guilin gives students the opportunity to meet others and totally immerse themselves into the Chinese culture. CLI is definitely a special place.”
- Kandice Purdy


Tammy Holley | Summer 2011
University:  Howard University
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Program Dates: July 16 - August 12

“CLI's relaxed and supportive teaching staff truly understands how to work with first time Mandarin speakers. I learned a lot about China and Chinese culture because of them.”
- Tammy Holley


Brittany Autry | Summer 2011
University:  Howard University
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Program Dates: July 16 - August 12

“At CLI, teachers and students constantly interact and teachers are always readily available for assistance. This has been a great experience.”
- Brittany Autry


Dennis Marker | Summer 2011
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Schedule: Immersion Program (July 4 - July 29)

“The one-on-one format with three separate teachers is brilliant! Between my 14-year-old son and myself we had six different teachers. Each was excellent.”
- Dennis Marker


Nick S. | Summer 2011
University:  Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Masters of Business Adminstration
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner III
Program Dates: July 4 - August 12

“I learned a tremendous amount of Mandarin while I was at CLI. I'll definitely be back for more!”
- Nick S.


Kathy Arnold | Summer 2011
University:  College of Wooster
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner II
Program Dates: June 13 - August 5

“CLI is not unique merely for its advantageous location, but also for its caring and professional staff, who make you feel at home while teachinga  curriculum geared specifically towards the student. Studying in Guilin is truly something else; studying at CLI adds a beauty to the city that I doubt I will find anywhere else.”
- Kathy Arnold


Joel Smith | Summer 2011
University:  University of Virginia, Psychology & Philosophy
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Intermediate II
Program Dates: May 25 - June 28

“What makes the CLI experience truly priceless is the diversity of opportunity it affords its students. The combination of classes and simply living in China came together to form a total immersion experience.”
- Joel Smith


David Chang | Summer 2011
University:  Virginia Western, Biochemistry
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Intermediate I
Program Dates: May 25 - June 28

“While in groups, it is very difficult to give every person the amount of direct speaking, listening, and correction needed to learn any language beyond its most basic level.  There is no need to fear not speaking enough at CLI, as their classes place a lot of emphasis on speaking and listening.”
- David Chang


Alexandra Gavis | Summer 2011
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Sponsor: U.S. Government's Intelligence Community Centers of Academic Excellence
Program Dates: May 20 - June 19

"CLI's location in Guilin creates a unique experience for Chinese learners. We get to experience both rural and city life. Guilin is a city where you can easily go out and practice your Chinese. Also, my one-on-one teachers were able to tailor lessons to my specific needs which ultimately helped me reach my language goals."
- Alex Gavis


Bryan Shadron | Summer 2011
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Sponsor: U.S. Government's Intelligence Community Centers of Academic Excellence
Program Dates: May 20 - June 19

"One of the biggest things that makes CLI unique is the way all of the teachers seem like a family, and bring all of the students in and accept them regardless of language level. The teachers really care that we learn the language well."
- Bryan Shadron


Joseph Walsh | Summer 2011
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Sponsor: U.S. Government's Intelligence Community Centers of Academic Excellence
Program Dates: May 20 - June 19

"The individual attention I received through CLI helped me pinpoint my weaknesses and improve my Chinese proficiency as a result. Guilin is a great city that challenged me to utilize my lessons every day."
- Joe Walsh


Craig Wainner | Summer 2011
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Sponsor: U.S. Government's Intelligence Community Centers of Academic Excellence
Program Dates: May 20 - June 19

"I like that CLI is located in Guilin rather than a larger city because it forces you to use Chinese in daily experiences. I also like the diversity of CLI's teachers. They each brought their own unique perspectives of China."
- Craig Wainner


Allison Riggs | Summer 2011
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Sponsor: U.S. Government's Intelligence Community Centers of Academic Excellence
Program Dates: May 20 - June 19

"The way that CLI operates has got to be the best method to learn Chinese. One month in Guilin was more productive than an entire year of coursework in a normal college class."
- Allie Riggs


William Bradley | Summer 2011
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Sponsor: U.S. Government's Intelligence Community Centers of Academic Excellence
Program Dates: May 20 - June 19

"CLI's directors run the program very well. They really know how we learn best because they can relate; they have experienced the same process of learning."
- Bill Bradley


Mai Lan Rodgers | Summer 2011
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Sponsor: U.S. Government's Intelligence Community Centers of Academic Excellence
Program Dates: May 20 - June 19

"CLI was unique in that it combined an immersion learning environment with unforgettable recreational activities. Being in Guilin promoted an immersion atmosphere that forced me to develop my own Chinese skills."
- Mai Lan Rodgers


Ashleigh Lanza | Summer 2011
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Sponsor: U.S. Government's Intelligence Community Centers of Academic Excellence
Program Dates: May 20 - June 19

"CLI's teachers are more than instructors – they're lifelines, mentors, and friends. CLI expects and encourages success, which drives its students to surpass their own expectations. CLI provided me with a once in a lifetime experience that I will cherish forever."
- Ashleigh Lanza


Joshua Lee | Spring 2011
University:  Virginia Tech, International Studies
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Intermediate I
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"When eating lunch or when hanging out at CLI in between classes, I really felt like CLI was a family, one that keeps getting bigger. Of course the education was important, but more than that, the sense of community and friendship had a larger impact on me. The teachers were always willing to help me with anything outside the classrooms whether it was sending postcards, how to talk to the taxi driver, or going to buy things at a local store. I was also able to meet many people through the teachers and by the time I left CLI, I had become friends with many of their friends. This is the beauty of CLI. Relationship building while learning Chinese."
- Josh Lee


Gregory Wenham | Spring 2011
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Schedule:  Immersion Program (Feb 22 - Mar 28)

"CLI’s teaching methods and the services they provide are world class. My overall training experience at CLI far exceeded my expectations and I would recommend anyone coming to China to learn more about this wonderful country through CLI."
- Greg Wenham


Lea Parizot | Spring 2011
University:  High School Student
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner II
Schedule: Immersion Program (February 14 - June 10)

“CLI is like a big family that supports you with great effort from the moment you arrive. CLI’s staff members truly provide a world class education and make you feel at home through the warmth of their presence.”
- Lea Parizot


Zach Brown | Spring 2011
University:  Arizona State University, Supply Chain Management
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner II
Program Dates: April 4 - June 24

“CLI's teachers are its most important asset. Each teacher has their own style, so having a mix helps me as the student to discover which methods I best respond to. The program is copmletely tairlored to my needs.”
- Zach Brown


Andreas Becker | Spring 2011
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Schedule:  Immersion Program (Apr 4 - May 13)

"CLI is not only a language school; it is a huge family where everyone enjoys teaching and sharing time with each other.  Whatever need you have while studying, the entire staff will do whatever they can to help you."
- Andreas Becker


David Bennett | Winter 2010-2011
University:  Virginia Tech, M.A. in Natural Resources
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"Overall, I thought my tutors were excellent and was most pleased by the small nature of the program. CLI gives an excellent introduction to both Chinese language and culture, and now I feel better prepared for professional development in China."
- Dave Bennett


Matthew Dietrick | Academic Year 2010-2011
University:  Syracuse University, B.A. double major in Finance and Accounting
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Intermediate II
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"The constant immersion is definitely the most important aspect of CLI's intensive Chinese program.  In Guilin, most of what I say during the course of the day is in Chinese.  This is much harder to do in bigger cities."
- Matt Dietrick


Mark Stanford | Fall 2010
University:  Oxford University, M.A. in Social Anthropology
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Intermediate I
Schedule:  Immersion Program (12-week)

"CLI is unique not only because of the individual instruction, but because of the care taken by of all the staff, which makes it a really personalised experience.  It's also unique because it feels like a warm group of friends rather than a sterile business or just a language school.  For me, having this social environment and having teachers who genuinely cared about teaching, combined with individual instruction, made it really useful."
- Mark Stanford


Marli Ruck | Fall 2010
University:  Tufts University, B.A. double major in International Relations and Chinese
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Intermediate II
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"The CLI staff is not only made up of great teachers, but I also have found that they have become my friends. CLI was also very accessible via email and phone so I felt very comfortable calling regardless of my question."
- Marli Ruck


Adam Heasley | Fall 2010
University:  Georgetown University, J.D. (Juris Doctor), Masters in Education
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Intermediate II
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"Through CLI I not only improved my Mandarin remarkably, but I made great friends and had the most fun travel experience of my life.  Enrolling in CLI was one of the best decisions I ever made.  I would recommend CLI to anyone."
- Adam Heasley


Nicholas Gacos | Summer 2010
University:  Virginia Tech, B.A. in Communication Studies
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Schedule:  Summer 2010 VT China Study Tour

"The educational value that I received from only three weeks was incredible.  To me, the most important aspect of CLI’s services was probably how open and readily available the instructors were at any given time."
- Nicholas Gacos


Sarah Shriver | Summer 2010
University:  Virginia Tech, B.A. double major in Communication Studies and Political Science
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner
Schedule:  Summer 2010 VT China Study Tour

"CLI’s great planning was extremely important to my experience in China. Every day was fun and there was no logistical confusion. The knowledge provided by CLI made the experience the best it could be."
- Sarah Shriver


Rachel Lombardo | Summer 2010
University:  Virginia Tech, B.A. in Communication Studies
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner
Schedule:  Summer 2010 VT China Study Tour

"I believe CLI is unique because it provides an insider’s view of China. It provides formal education while giving students an opportunity to informally learn about a different culture which is even more valuable. To me, the most important aspect of CLI’s services is its personality. The personnel are knowledgeable, professional and friendly."
- Rachel Lombardo


John Ralston | Summer 2010
University:  Virginia Tech, B.A. in History
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Upper Beginner
Schedule:  Summer 2010 VT China Study Tour

"I believe the strength of CLI is in the friendly atmosphere of its members. At no time was I worried about approaching a CLI member to address a problem or ask a question. I was well taken care of throughout my entire stay."
- John Ralston


James Eades | Summer 2010
University:  Virginia Tech, B.A. double major in History and International Studies
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Upper Beginner
Schedule:  Summer 2010 VT China Study Tour

"CLI was amazing in aiding us on our travels. The experience in Guilin was completely necessary to understanding China. CLI’s itinerary planning and personal connections were one of the most important aspects of their services."
- James Eades


Noel Marie van Aartijk | Summer 2010
University:  Virginia Tech, B.A. in Communication
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner
Schedule:  Summer 2010 VT China Study Tour

"CLI was very accommodating to individual and group needs. The flexibility of CLI made the trip completely stress-free; everything from late night water deliveries to helping with small glitches in hotel rooms, I always was taken care of."
- Noel Marie van Aartrijk


Amy Xu | Summer 2010
University:  Virginia Tech, B.A. in Consumer Studies w/ Minor in Business
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Intermediate II
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"The CLI teachers were not only great teachers, but great friends as well. I felt like I not only received an educational experience but also an insightful local experience. CLI is very accommodating -- from classes, an internship, to questions about traveling in China -- they made it happen."
- Amy Xu


Susan Feng | Summer 2010
University:  Virginia Tech, B.A. in Economics w/ Minor in Computer Science
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Advanced I
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"What really helped for me were the one-on-one classes. The teachers were willing to cater to how each student learns best. Not only were they our teachers, but also our tour guides. Because of the one-on-one classes I was able to build a friendship with each individual teacher."
- Susan Feng


Rosima Molina Ras | Summer 2010
University:  John Cabot University, B.A. in International Administration
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"CLI feels like a family. The staff is very welcoming and they help you with everything they can. They definitely make the transition as smooth as possible."
- Rosima Molina Ras


Diana Padua | Spring 2010
University:  Hawaii Pacific University, B.A. double major in Finance and Marketing, Minor Concentration in Economics
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

“CLI’s staff is focused on improving the student’s grasp of the Chinese language and Guilin’s charming environment is a prime place to not only learn how to speak Mandarin, but also to gain knowledge about the passion and culture of the Chinese people. My experiences with CLI are ones I will never forget.”
- Diana Padua


Dr. Ernesto Aravena | Spring 2010
University:  University of Chile Medical School, M.D. w/ specialization in Gastrointestinal Surgery
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner I
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"CLI's teachers and program directors were extremely helpful, knowledgeable and friendly during my entire stay in Guilin. I'm glad to have found the Chinese Language Institute and discovered the friendly people of Guilin."
- Dr. Ernesto Aravena


Kevin Keller | Spring 2010
University:  Arizona State University, B.A. double major in Economics and Chinese
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Advanced I
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Standard)

“CLI is the second study abroad program in which I have participated, and I could not be more pleased with my experience in Guilin. My one-on-one teachers traveled with me around town and were constantly there to help me with my Chinese studies.”
- Kevin Keller


Megan Lawson | Winter 2009-2010
University:  Virginia Tech, B.A. in Communication, Minor Concentrations in International Business and Event Planning
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Beginner II
Schedule:  2009-2010 China Study Tour

"Speaking Chinese one-on-one is CRUCIAL to learning Chinese. Like I keep telling everyone, I learned more in three weeks with CLI than I did in one semester at school."
- Megan Lawson


Patrick Magoffin | Winter 2009-2010
University:  George Mason University, B.A. in History, Minor Concentration in Asia-Pacific Studies
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Intermediate I
Schedule:  2009-2010 China Study Tour

"Alongside the amazing sights and activities, the one-on-one language lessons were definitely a highlight of the trip.  My time spent with each instructor was invaluable to my study of the language. Each instructor’s individual teaching style was valued for uniquely contributing to my education."
- Patrick Magoffin


Joe McReynolds | Fall 2009
University:  Georgetown University, M.A. in International Security
Chinese Level (upon entry):  Advanced I
Schedule:  College Study Abroad (Intensive)

"My favorite part of the Immersion Program was my ability to direct the lesson in the heat of the moment,  one-on-one, without worrying whether or not I was inconveniencing other students or slowing down the teacher. It was truly an education on my terms."
- Joe McReynolds